Interfaith Dialogue Theory and Native/non-Native Relations

Jonathan Napier

Abstract

Interfaith dialogue allows for an understanding of power relationships,a means of perceiving the Other, and a method of acquiring newknowledge. I will discuss the benefits and limitations of interfaithdialogue theory to Native/non-Native relations. Through interfaithdialogue, benefits such as relationship building and improvedunderstanding provide opportunities to forge new communitieswithin Canadian contexts. However, as is, the framework of interfaithdialogue also surfaces notions that prove problematic if applieddirectly to Native/non-Native relations. The framework of interfaithdialogue needs to be adjusted in order to be applied successfully inthis area. Issues such as diverging worldviews, understandings ofreligion, misconceptions of the Other, political structures, and powerdiscrepancies will all off er challenges and insights into how oneapplies aspects of interfaith dialogue. Furthermore, The non-Nativecommunity has a responsibility to reach out and change prevailingdiscrepancies in power structures.